BJP CM-designate promises priority for IT and Bangalore development (Lead)

Bangalore, May 25 (IANS) Triumphant Bharatiya Janata Party’s chief minister-designate B.S. Yediyurappa Sunday said he will give special attention to Bangalore to make it a world-class city and take IT and outsourcing industry to rural areas of Karnataka as well. “We will take IT and outsourcing industry to rural areas also and give special attention to Bangalore’s needs,” he told a crowded press conference after the party emerged as the single largest after the assembly elections, missing the majority mark by just three seats.

“We will work for all-round development of Karnataka. We will take steps to check migration from rural areas by improving facilities and job opportunities there,” Yediyurappa said.

“All round development of Karnataka is the single point agenda and we are aware of the responsibility cast on us with this victory,” he said in his prepared statement.

Yediyurappa said: “We have not won a clear majority but the verdict is for a BJP government”.

He appealed to all parties to cooperate with him as he did not have much experience in administration.

He promised to take care of the interests of all sections of society, including minorities.

Yediyurappa said he would vigorously pursue with the central government the issue of granting classical status to Kannada language and several irrigation and drinking water related projects held up because of opposition from neighbouring states.

He said special industrial zones will be set up in north Karnataka depending on the natural resources available in various districts in the region.

Yediyurappa said BJP’s victory had fulfilled the dream of several party stalwarts like former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former deputy prime minister L.K. Advani to see their party rule a state in southern India.